Thomas is a mobile utility selected at pick 21 in the 2004 National draft. He spent most of 2004 playing at centre-half forward for the Sandringham Dragons, but is also capable of playing in defence or even on the ball.

Murphy is very agile, a great contested mark and a goal kicker. He broke into the senior team late in 2005, and 2006 was another step forward, playing seven games at either end of the ground.

2007 was a frustrating season, as he failed to get much game time and never really cemented a spot in the side.